New York City, USA-hiking-areas

Discover the Great Outdoors in NYC: Top Hiking Areas to Explore

New York City is known for its concrete jungle, but did you know that there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and hike in the city? From scenic parks to nature preserves, here are some of the best hiking areas in New York City:

1. Bear Mountain State Park

Located just an hour north of Manhattan, Bear Mountain State Park offers over 50 miles of hiking trails with stunning views of the Hudson River. The park’s most popular trail, the Bear Mountain Loop, takes you on a challenging 3.5-mile hike to the top of Bear Mountain.

2. Van Cortlandt Park

This 1,146-acre park in the Bronx is one of the largest parks in NYC. With over 20 miles of hiking trails, Van Cortlandt offers something for every skill level. The John Muir Nature Trail takes you on a scenic hike through forests and meadows, while the Cass Gallagher Trail offers stunning views of the Hudson River.

3. Floyd Bennett Field

Located in Brooklyn’s Jamaica Bay, Floyd Bennett Field is a lesser-known gem for hikers. This 1,000-acre nature preserve has over 10 miles of trails that take you through forests, wetlands, and beaches. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including osprey and monarch butterflies.

4. Central Park

While not as rugged as some of the other options on this list, Central Park’s many trails offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The 6-mile Great Hill Loop takes you on a scenic hike through forests and meadows, while the Ravine Trail offers stunning views of the park’s lakes and waterfalls.

5. Jamaica Bay Greenway

This 10-mile trail system runs along the shores of Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn and Queens. With stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the bay, the Jamaica Bay Greenway is a great option for hikers who want to stay close to the city.

6. Randall’s Island Park

Located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens, Randall’s Island Park offers several miles of hiking trails with stunning views of the city skyline. The park’s Wildflower Meadow Trail takes you on a scenic hike through fields of wildflowers.

7. Greenbelt

This 2,800-acre nature preserve in Staten Island is home to over 35 miles of hiking trails. The Greenbelt offers something for every skill level, from easy strolls to challenging hikes with stunning views of the Verrazano Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

8. High Rock Park

Located in Staten Island’s Greenbelt, High Rock Park offers several miles of hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding forests and wetlands. The park’s Lenny K Trail takes you on a scenic hike to the top of High Rock, offering panoramic views of the area.

Get ready to lace up your hiking boots and explore the great outdoors in NYC!